Winter at Bishop Ranch

Over the past year at Bishop Ranch I've enjoyed watching the seasons change. Some may argue we barely have seasons here in the San Francisco Bay Area, but I beg to differ. There are many subtle seasonal changes, especially for those paying attention. In Landscaping at Bishop Ranch, I introduced some of the main landscaping elements of the industrial park. In this post I'd like to celebrate winter at Bishop Ranch.

Birds float on the lake in late afternoon winter light

The winter light is especially beautiful and golden this time of year, but the sun is low in the sky and always in my eyes. Since the business park is in a valley, the sun "sets" early behind the hills, leaving the valley in shadow.

Allee of trees in golden winter light

Bare branches in late afternoon light

The deciduous trees are bare, leaving the skeleton of their branches and revealing the texture of their bark. The low slant of the winter sun casts long shadows of the branches over the ground and walls. The redwoods, live oak, and native trees showcase their green leaves, thriving with the boost of winter rains.

Winter maintenance at Bishop Ranch

Winter container plants at Bishop Ranch

Some plants are cut back to foster growth in the spring. Bark mulch is replenished. The containers are updated with winter plantings, such as primrose, begonia, and viola.  The grasses flourish and soften the landscape.

Landscaping in winter at Bishop Ranch

Migrating birds stop and rest near the lakes, or up in the trees. The hills surrounding the campus are green from the winter rains, and nature is visible from many vantage points from within the Bishop Ranch buildings.

Borrowed view from the Roundhouse cafeteria on a cold, beautiful, winter day